by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman
November 15, 2023
The trio are joining forces to uplift their native city’s arts scene.
Three Chicago legends are joining forces to rebuild one of the Windy City’s famed theatres. Jennifer Hudson, Chance the Rapper, and Quincy Jones plan to renovate and reopen the Ramova Theatre in Chicago.
The establishment in the city’s South Side has been left unoccupied for almost four decades. However, with the trio’s quest to develop the live music venue, the area will have a new facility to host shows for Chicago residents. The Ramova opened in 1929 in the neighborhood of Bridgeport as a prominent movie theater but closed in 1985.
In a statement to the press shared by Variety, Jones shared how the renewal project will spark a bridge to the “cultural divides” found in our society.
“I believe the cultural divides in our communities will always be bridged and uplifted by music and the arts,” said Jones. “With Ramova, I see a future where the rich cultural heritage of Chicago shines even brighter alongside the country’s most talented artists, which will inspire future generations to come and bring glory to America’s Second City.”
His fellow investors also shared their excitement about being part of the redevelopment.
“My mother always taught us to take care of home first, so to support the rehabilitation of this extraordinary theater with such a rich history in Chicago means more to me than one could imagine,” shared Hudson, an EGOT winner.
Chance the Rapper echoed her sentiment, stating how this space will help showcase Chicago’s homegrown talent,
“I joined the team at Ramova to give back to the city that’s given me so much and to provide a stage to showcase the incredible talent Chicago has to offer. This is our moment to revitalize Chicago neighborhoods through one of the most beautiful ways possible — the arts.”
The venue is set to open this fall and will be accompanied by a new grill, beer garden, and brewery, with Other Half Brewing being a partner in the revitalization. The theatre will also offer educational events and “amplify community initiatives” in its space.
